City looks to improve Armory Park through LWCF grant

The city of Whitefish is applying for a Land and Water Conservation Fund grant for planned work on Armory Park.

City Council last week approved applying for the grant in the amount of $245,500, and the city plans to provide matching funds in the amount of $265,520.

Planned work includes the third phase of the Armory Park Master Plan which involves the construction of a playground, extension of the shared use path, drainage work, parking lot improvements, expansion of the dog park, and an adult fitness area.

“This work will enhance the largest park in Whitefish, adding much needed amenities to complement the existing facilities,” said Parks and Recreation Director Maria Butts.

The playground will fulfill the need for a safe play area for youth using the park, Butts notes, in addition to providing a playground for the city’s summer camp which takes place at the Roy Duff Memorial Armory.

The 2016 Bicycle and Pedestrian Master Plan identified the creation of more paths and connectivity as priorities. The planned project includes the creation of a more than 1-mile loop system in the park.

The Public Works department has for several years had a goal of completing necessary drainage work at Armory Park. Improvements along Armory Road and drainage in the park would effectively direct stormwater alleviating high groundwater impacts to the park, Butts notes.

The plan also calls for paving a potion of the existing Armory Park softball field parking lot to provide access to the southeast portion of the park.

Planned fitness stations along the path connections are consistent with the Parks and Recreation Master Plan recommendation to implement a focused priority on adult fitness.

“The adult fitness area enhances the trail system and adds a multi-generational amenity to the park by providing active fitness opportunities for our adult and aging population,” Butts said.

The WAG Dog Park expansion includes use of up to 1.5 acres adjacent to the current park to create a “rough” area. The area is sloped and is planned to be used to exercise dogs who need a large area to run. Fencing will be added in addition to entrance areas, a garbage can and mutt mitts.

The total project cost is $511,023.

The Land and Water Conservation Fund is a matching grant program with two parks that in addition to the federal programs includes state level programs.